FESTIVAL DANCERS

DANCE ORIGIN: Greece
GENRE: Cretan Dance
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS/ CHOREOGRAPHERS: Vasilis & Effie Fourakis
First Appearance in SF EDF: 1992
Website: www.minoans.com

Crete is the largest island of the lush Mediterranean country of Greece. The oldest signs of inhabitants on the island come from Neolithic ceramics of the 6th century BCE. This popular tourist destination made known the world over through the great epics of the prolific poet, Homer, was also home to the ancient goddess-worshiping Minoan civilization which flourished during the Bronze Age between 2600 to 1450 BCE. Surviving dozens of invasions and occupations throughout the years, the people of Crete are known for their zealous and brave spirits.

Dance has always been a strong part of Cretan life. Group solidarity is nurtured and celebrated through dance at weddings, baptisms, and other significant life cycle events. Greek dances emphasize community, as well as the unique roles each member plays within the community. Children and parents dance together at social events. As dancers’ arms interlock shoulders, dance rhythms traverse time as they are passed down from one generation to the next. A male leader may guide the group in a characteristic chain circle across the dance floor, and individual soloists may step out of the crowd displaying their skillful improvisation.

The Minoan Dancers were created in 1986 at the request of a parishioner from a local Greek Orthodox Church in Marin County. A multi-generational company of over 70 members as young as age five, the Minoan Dancers is dedicated to preserving and promoting Greek culture and folk dance throughout the Bay Area. They are host to the ever-popular annual Greek Folk Dance Festival drawing over 3,000 Greek fold dance enthusiasts from Northern California.